2018 BMW X1

We give the X1 a point above average for steering clear of average crossover foibles, but stop short of doing the same inside. It earns a 6 out of 10 on our style-o-meter. (Read more about how we rate cars.)

Perhaps what we like most about the X1 is that it reads more wagon in our eyes, with a graceful shape that prioritizes subtlety more than overt-macho shapes. Good sculpting along the sides helps tie the car to the rear end, which is finished in a more thoughtful way than other crossovers’ abrupt tailgates. Darker colors might help hide inexpensive cladding on the lower half of the X1, according to our eyes.

Inside, the X1 is a simple affair with a large screen placed atop the dash that dominates attention. Redundant buttons for climate control and radio controls are welcome. Richer hides and wood accents help class up what’s otherwise a fairly budget interior (it’s BMW’s lowest-priced new car, after all) but those are available for a premium price. 

It’s the engine’s 8-speed automatic partner that we particularly like, however. We give it a point above average for its ability to quickly shift up and down, its steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, and its generally refined behavior. It earns a 6 out of 10 for performance. (Read more about how we rate cars.)

Every X1 comes equipped with a rocker switch that can help shape the engine and transmission behavior, depending on circumstance. Dubbed “Driving Dynamic Control,” drivers can toggle between Eco Pro, Comfort, and Sport modes to customize response. Eco Pro does what it says and says what it does: it keeps the X1 fairly sedate—almost painfully so—to maximize fuel economy. Comfort is nearly the same, but Sport mode sharpens up transmission behavior that should be helpful for powering up mountain grades, or engine braking going down them.

The ride in the X1 is generally composed thanks to its un-crossover-like wagon shape. The X1 rides on 18-inch run-flat tires as standard, which generally makes it stiffer. Swapping out the run-flats in favor of traditional all-seasons is a no-cost option, and adding a small spare tire is $150. Bigger, 19-inch wheels are available at the expense of ride quality. Beauty is pain, right?

Underneath the X1 is a skeleton shared with the Mini Countryman and both are notably front-wheel drive in standard form. Curiously, the Mini is the only one available with a manual transmission, despite the “Ultimate Driving Machine” roundel affixed to the X1’s snout.

With optional all-wheel drive, the X1 can send all of its available power to the rear wheels—in limited bursts. The system can send power to wheels with better grip in a fraction of a second, which should help in slippery situations. The X1 has reasonable ground clearance too; no one will confuse it with a trail-ready off-roader, but every bit helps.

In our drives on gravel roads we found that the BMW X1 was a little eager to give up grip early, which could be harrowing for some drivers. Reasonable speeds should prevail in those circumstances, but it’s worth noting.

The X1 gets BMW’s electric-power steering system, which is well-weighted but lacks feedback that we’re accustomed to from the brand.

About those front seats: We’ve found the flat bottoms and odd alignment (the driver's seat is slightly canted away from the wheel) to be somewhat frustrating. BMW offers a sport seat option to upgrade the seats, but we haven’t yet had the chance to sample those seats.

The dash is lower than in other BMW models, which is a boon to outward forward visibility.

In back, two adults will fit comfortably, three in a pinch or for short distances. Top-trimmed models can add an extra cost reclining rear seat that can slide fore and aft up to 5 inches that could make long-distances more comfortable.

Behind the rear seats, the X1 can swallow up to 27.1 cubic feet of gear, or 58.7 cubes with the seats folded down. That’s better space that some competitors, including the Audi Q3, but not as much as mainstream offerings from Toyota and Honda.

Thick rear roof pillars can make rear vision a challenge for some drivers. BMW makes a rearview camera standard this year and parking sensors are a relatively reasonable $800 option for frequent parallel parkers.

BMW offers forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and active lane control for $1,700 on the X1 after buyers have opted for a $2,500 convenience package.

The NHTSA awarded the X1 five stars overall (out of five) with five stars for side impacts, and four stars for frontal collisions and rollover accidents.

Outside of optional packages, BMW makes standard on the X1 a full set of airbags for front and rear passengers, including side-impact airbags. Traction and stability control systems are standard, and a rearview camera is newly standard this year. Also available are front and rear parking sensors.

The BMW X1 is the most affordable new model offered by the automaker, starting at $34,895 including destination. It’s at base that the X1 is a value—most optional extras balloon the bottom line without adding much. We give the X1 a point above average for a good base version and another for a sizable infotainment screen. It earns a 7 out of 10 for features. (Read more about how we rate cars.)

Few X1s will leave the factory without some options built-in, and some are better than others. From base, BMW offers a convenience package that includes a panoramic moonroof, keyless ignition, and interior lighting along with a handful of smaller features for $2,500. A $3,300 premium tier above that adds navigation, LED headlights, heated front seats and steering wheel, and a head-up display.

BMW offers a M Sport package that changes the appearance of the X1 and includes features from the convenience package. The premium options tier is available on M Sport-trimmed X1.

Value-focused shoppers should consider a la carte options outside of hefty packages to keep costs considerable.

A heated steering wheel and heated seats, which are popular in cold-weather states, are available for $550 as stand-alone options. Parking sensors, which help overcome the X1’s limited rearward visibility, are an $800 stand-alone option. Removing the X1’s rolling-stone run-flat tires are a no-cost option; might we suggest adding a helpful spare tire is $1,500.

Beyond those common-sense additions, BMW frustratingly walls the rest of its options behind those pricey packages. We don’t mind skipping a $300 option for Apple CarPlay compatibility, but we take exception to effectively making advanced safety features a $4,200 proposition, all told.  

All-wheel drive is available on the X1 for $2,000.

The EPA slightly rates front-drive X1 higher: 23/32/26 mpg. Premium gasoline is recommended for all X1 models.

Those combined figures give the BMW a nod over competitors such as the Audi Q3 and Acura RDX. If fuel-efficiency is a priority, the Mercedes-Benz GLA is rated slightly higher, as is the Buick Encore. Hybrids and plug-in hybrids such as the Lexus NX and Mini Cooper Countryman fare significantly better thanks to their battery packs.